Sorrento

Train ride from Bologna was fine except over an hour late getting to Naples. Actually half an hour late or more getting to Bologna--nasty weather in the north and train was from Turin. My favorite driving company, Sorrento Limo in the person of the boss himself, Gennaro, picked me up and brought me here to Sorrento. On Thursday we had a beautiful day and he picked me up again and we went first to Herculaneum to begin a day of ruin running. I thoroughly enjoy doing this though I'm afraid some of the ups and downs get harder.

On the second stop the ruin was yours truly. I had arranged to be taken to Vesuvius to see how much I could manage. We drove to the base of the walk about 1000 meters high. I started out and knew almost immediately, this was silly for me to try. I made it to the second bench, about 250 meters Gennaro said and then started back down--harder for me so I stayed next to the fence. I do remember that 5 years ago I made it to the top in a rackety old car driven by the man going up to tell people climbing that it was closed. Anyway I enjoyed the view and the drive.

Last stop of the day was Pompeii. I used the audio guide which sometimes is a pain because the sections start with great fanfares of music and maybe they give a bit too much history. But I think it is well worth the 6E and can be kind of interesting if you click on the suggestions given at the end of many sections. After all how else can you listen to Vesuvius erupting.. Rested a while back at the hotel and then wandered a bit.

Today in the off and on rain we headed for the Amalfi Drive--the most beautiful drive I have ever seen and one I love to come back to and splurge on the private driver. This time Gennaro took me down into Positano on the one way street that goes down into town and then up out of town. He pointed the way and I walked a few hundred meters almost to the beach--at least I could see the water.

Next stop was Amalfi where I visited the beautiful cathedral with cloister, crypt (where St. Andrew's tomb is) and the cathedral. And yes I took lots of pictures. And the nasty rain held off until I had managed the 60 steps up to the church. And, yes I counted on the way down.

We then drove to Ravello, and I visted both famous gardens. Villa Rufolo was easy--all on levels with nice had rails by the steps and flowers growing in places. Villa Ciambruni meant going up, up, up--I had forgotten how much up. But again a beautiful place even in the harder rain and puddley paths. Back in Sorrento my feet were dry. I do spray my shoes. Pouring out now, but I will head out to eat soon. Off to Naples tomorrow.